KOTA KINABALU, Nov. 8 -- The Works Ministry has issued a wake-up call to all agencies and contractors involved in Sabah's Pan Borneo Highway after Phase 1A progress fell nearly 9pc behind schedule, with Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan urging teams to "work overtime" to make up for delays.

As of October 2025, overall construction progress for Phase 1A comprising 15 work packages stood at 85.25pc compared with the scheduled 93.96pc. Phase 1B, which started recently, recorded 9.49pc progress against its target of 13.14pc.

Ahmad Maslan said land acquisition, utility relocation and shortages of workers and materials were the main issues affecting progress.

He said stronger coordination among the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysi...